RCN Award of Merit for Larne woman Denise

Denise Kelly, Clinical Nurse Coordinator in the Hospital at Night team at Antrim Area Hospital, received the Award of Merit for her exceptional contribution to the College.

One of four members across the UK to receive the highest honour the RCN can give for voluntary service, she was nominated following her leadership to RCN members during the industrial action at the end of 2019 and for the wider commitment she has given to nursing.

The local woman voluntarily represents RCN at both local level as chair of her branch, and at a regional level with a seat on the RCN Northern Ireland Board. Nationally, she was elected to represent NI on the RCN National Trade Union Committee, and is also a steward and health and safety rep.

The award would have been presented at the annual RCN Congress in Liverpool, but due to the COVID Pandemic, Denise received the medal at her home in Larne in October.

“I am truly humbled to receive this important award,” she said.

“Everything I do in my role as a steward has the members, no matter who they are, as the central focus. In Northern Ireland nursing staff have been through very difficult times, standing on picket lines to speak up for patients and to simply ask to be treated fairly and equally.

“I strive to ensure that our members’ voices are heard, even if what is being said is difficult, and I am privileged to be able to do that. It is overwhelming that someone has taken the time to nominate me for this award and it strengthens my resolve to continue to support and represent RCN members.

“Thank you to everyone who supported, coached and nurtured me in my RCN journey. This is one of the proudest moments in my nursing career.”